Correct RPM for setting timing on muffs

[banderberg]

I'm going to set the timing on my 3.0L using water muffs. It's supposed to be at 8 deg. BTDC but not sure what RPM that's supposed to be at. Manual says idle is 650-700 RPM in forward gear but idle will be higher on muffs, so does that mean I should set timing slightly earlier than 8?

 

[Alumarine]

I'm going to set the timing on my 3.0L using water muffs. It's supposed to be at 8 deg. BTDC but not sure what RPM that's supposed to be at. Manual says idle is 650-700 RPM in forward gear but idle will be higher on muffs, so does that mean I should set timing slightly earlier than 8?

I set my idle speed and timing in gear in the water.
If I was to do it in neutral I would try 9-10 maybe?

 

[itsathepete]

Set timing at 650-700. Set idle at 650-700 in water

 

[ScottinAZ]

Set timing at 650-700. Set idle at 650-700 in water

exactly. the advance doesnt know if that 650-700 rpm is on land on muffs, or in the water in gear. You will just have to reset the idle speed once it hits the water. (arguably easier to fiddle with than timing when floating)

 

[banderberg]

Set timing at 650-700. Set idle at 650-700 in water

Possibly a dumb question, is that idle in gear or neutral? I'm a little unclear on exactly what is meant by "idle".

 

[achris]

Out of the water there's no load on the propeller, so that idle speed won't change. For safety you shouldn't run the engine in gear out of the water... Just saying...

Chris...

 

[banderberg]

Out of the water there's no load on the propeller, so that idle speed won't change. For safety you shouldn't run the engine in gear out of the water... Just saying...

Chris...

I just push the "throttle" button at the base of my throttle arm so the propeller isn't engaged but then I guess that's not the same thing as in gear.

I found the instructions in the manual but they're kind of confusing.

1. With boat in open water, place remote control in forward gear, idle position.
2. Disconnect throttle cable barrel from anchor stud. Be sure not to lose spacer on anchor stud.
3. Adjust idle speed adjustment screw to obtain 550-600 rpm, in neutral gear.
4. With engine running at specified rpm, adjust idle mixture needle as follows:
   1. Turn idle mixture needle in (clockwise) until the engine speed begins to drop due to lean mixture.
   2. Turn idle mixture screw out (counterclockwise) until the speed begins to drop due to rich mixture.
   3. Turn screw in to a point between these two extremes to obtain maximum engine smoothness and rpm.
   4. Readjust idle speed adjustment screw until engine idles at 650-700 rpm in forward gear.
      ​

It seems like they're saying to be in gear, moving forward in the water and then to disconnect the throttle cable.. but then step three says to be in neutral.

 

[itsathepete]

With boat in water in neutral, disconnect throttle cable. Adjust idle to 650-700. Adjust mixture screws as directed. Then put in forward gear and adjust idle to 650-700 if it has dropped. Put back in neutral. Reconnect throttle cable, adjusting so that it doesn't change idle rpm in gear.